Coun Sue Sanderson, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Environment and People, said: “This is a positive scheme and it is cost-neutral to the council, other than the administration costs which is why we need this budget.

“Cumbria County Council estimates that up to 179 tonnes of food waste per year could be diverted from collection systems if people used these food waste digesters.’’

Coun Clare Feeney-Johnson, CCC Cabinet member for Environment, said: “We know from public feedback that these food digesters are really sought after, so I’m delighted we’re able to use this funding to make them available at a fraction of the normal price.

“By using these units to treat food waste within the home, households will not only reduce their carbon footprint but also help us to make significant savings on waste treatment costs.”